Thanksgiving 2008 } Global Lounge Style

Sustainability is about using what you already have, so this Thanksgiving, my color theme was inspired by a swanky bolt of blue and brown satin ribbon I had lounging about...I also wanted to give our dinner a hip hotel lounge vibe which would definitely have everyone talking about it afterwards. Global accents like origami, rattan, Chinese knots and classic patterns, like woven cane and circle medallions provided the global modern touches I adore. We also used our DJ uplights to jazz up the ambiance...everyone loved the mood lighting!

I've always wanted to use paper cranes for decor and thought the subtle resemblance to a turkey would be a nice touch. They were made with gift wrap paper, strung with crimped silver wire and hung from kiwi vines. The vines were held up by floral foam in a drinking glass and wrapped with turquoise tissue paper. The magical blue glow is created by super cool LED tea lights placed at the base of the vines, hidden by the tissue.

I sewed simple square napkins using a great cane patterned fabric that I found at the fabric store...the colors matched my theme perfectly!!! I only needed 2 yards.

Instead of Thanksgiving cards, I thought I would save paper and ink by making bookmarks with inspiring quotes on both sides and a nice satin ribbon at the end.

For the cocktail vibe, my hubby created a signature blue mocktail (blue raspberry lemonade blended with ice and sprite) and instead of the usual placecards, I created custom monogram drink tags using scrapbook supplies.

I found these rattan placemats with blue trim at a discount retailer for a buck a piece! I call this "intuitive sourcing" also known as, I was so lucky to find these!

And lastly, for the favors, I wrapped up some delicious iced gingerbread cookies in a kraft pillow box with the swanky satin ombre ribbon, a custom gift tag and a lovely Chinese knot. I'd have to say that this is my favorite dinner party so far! I really loved the lighting and magical LEDs!

Comments

[Michelle]

I love it! It's not your typical Thanksgiving colors and such a vibrant table.

[Amy Woidtke]

I just love seeing what you do! Our T-day was more traditional with the decor, as I work with what I have at Mum's...although I did think about ikebana when I was doing the floral centerpiece and did a minimalist with leaf fold inspiration!

Funny that you did that with the tablematts as I used an alternate way of doing mine as well. I put them in a cross type arrangement from the center outward, creating a hole for the centerpiece. So I didn't really use them as tablematts but as center accent.

Had fun with napkin folding and rolling. Want to figure out how you do that envelope fold. I think I can wrap my brain around it.

Thanks again and for the xmas decor suggestions. Whenever I need modern ideas, I always come to your site. Thank you for sharing!

[maritess]

your work is such an inspiration. beautiful beautiful table scape. i want to try that centerpiece one day.

[Dodie Sy]

Absolutely Beautiful and Creative! See...this is how dinner parties should be like. Love the Chinese knot work on the favor boxes. The ribbon is perfect! Loving the dollar placemants. Centerpieces inspired! and where was that cocktail while I was busy cooking up a storm??? The cute detail on each cocktail glass...fab! I need to be invited to one of your dinner parties!!!

[Mimi kaolin]

What a marvellous "décor"!
please, please I'm so far away from your "good adresses were to buy". Would you sell me few meters of those magicals bicolored ribbons and cane patterned fabric? (this fabrics would fit so much with a yukata patchwork I'm preparing!!!). In France we don't celebrate thanks giving, but sure I'll remenber this while preparing my X-mas Eve!!!! all my best!!!

[Asianmommy]

Very nice! I love your centerpieces.

[bree]

OMG! I'm coming to your house next year :P

Beautiful! I love that you used uplights. Makes me want to host Christmas at my house just so I can set up a table like this, lol!

[Joanna Dyckhoff]

Thanks for all of your wonderful comments! I had a blast with this party and am so glad to hear that there were some inspiring ideas here for you to use at your next event! =)

[Raechel]

OMG!! This is so inspiring and so so beautiful! Can you please tell me where you get the kiwi vines? I just may use this idea for my wedding! Thank you!

[ritzy p]

you are killing the game!
are people up there hiring you for events by the hundreds or what?!

[Cathy Kalepo]

omg! This looks fantastic!

[Carlene]

Soo pretty!!! Invite me over for something.... I dunno.. cuz its Tuesday?! ;)

Love it!

[Brooke]

Amazing! Absolutely amazing!
Your creativity and talents are so inspiring!
Love, love, love this!
Cheers!
Brooke

[amy @ stem]

People must just die to get an invite to your parties, J. Stunning as always!

Much love,
Amy